AUSTIN (KXAN) — Ethan Mendoza’s 3-run home run in the seventh inning enacted the 10-run rule for Texas in a 12-2 win on opening night over UC Davis on Friday at UFCU Disch-Falk Field.
Mendoza smacked a towering drive over the left field wall near the visitor’s bullpen, plating Anthony Pack Jr. and Temo Becerra to turn a 9-2 lead into a mercy-rule victory.
AUSTIN, TX – JUNE 01: Texas infielder Ethan Mendoza (5) watches the ball after getting a hit during the NCAA Division I Regional game between Texas Longhorns and UTSA Roadrunners on June 1, 2025, at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin, Texas. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Pack, a freshman who started in right field and hit No. 9 in the lineup, had quite a debut. He went 3-for-3 at the plate with a double and two RBIs. Outfielder Aiden Robbins, a transfer from Seton Hall, went 2-for-4 with a 2-run homer in the third inning, and shortstop Adrian Rodriguez had a pair of hits.
Carson Tinney, Texas’ catcher and All-American transfer from Notre Dame, walked three times in his debut.
Ruger Riojas earned the pitching win with nine strikeouts over five innings, allowing one run on three hits with one walk. He faced 20 batters and threw 52 of his 78 pitches for strikes. Max Grubbs worked the sixth and seventh innings, allowing one run on three hits with two strikeouts and a walk.
Texas (1-0) hit .367 for the game and .500 with runners in scoring position.
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With storms in the forecast for Saturday afternoon, Game 2 of the series will start at noon. It was originally scheduled for 2 p.m.
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